South Charlotte Today

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a defensive lineman from the University of Georgia, is making strides towards an NFL career as he participates in practices for the Reese's Senior Bowl. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 280 pounds, Ingram-Dawkins has been noted for his impressive performance this past season with the Georgia Bulldogs, recording 19 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Reflecting on his journey from Gaffney, South Carolina, Ingram-Dawkins expressed surprise at reaching this stage. "If I'm being honest, I didn't think I would get here," he admitted. Coming from a small town known mainly for its unique Peachoid water tower, he had few local role models to emulate.

However, Jadeveon Clowney, another pass-rusher from South Carolina who played high school football just 30 minutes away from Gaffney, served as inspiration. "I was a big Jadeveon Clowney fan just coming from the state of South Carolina," Ingram-Dawkins shared. Clowney's success gave him confidence that he could achieve similar heights.

During high school, Ingram-Dawkins played as a defensive tackle before transitioning to defensive end under coach Kirby Smart at Georgia. This versatility has caught the attention of NFL teams during Senior Bowl practices. "They like my versatility; I can play inside and outside," he said. His ability to contribute both in run defense and pass rush adds to his appeal.

Ingram-Dawkins emphasized the demanding nature of playing for Georgia's defense: "At Georgia, we call it the no-name defense...You're going to make every play." His dedication to fulfilling his role on the field aligns with scouts' expectations and supports his aspiration to join the NFL ranks.

Playing as a defensive end has been Ingram-Dawkins' lifelong position since he began organized football at age five. He described it as his destiny: "I started playing organized football at 5 years old...I was meant for this."

Looking ahead to potentially playing alongside Clowney in the NFL excites him: "(To play with Clowney) would mean the world...He's a legend."